Crossword Genius

Minimal green space by the way (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

least

'minimal' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'green space by the way' is the wordplay.
'green space' becomes 'lea' (type of field).
'by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'the' becomes 't' (the is pronounced as a 't' sound in some dialects).
'way' becomes 's' (Compass direction - South).
't' after 's' is 'st'.
'lea'+'st'='LEAST'

(Other definitions for least that I've seen before include "Smallest, being stale" , "No more petty" , "Most insignificant" , "To the lowest degree" , "Bottom" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.